Mark Webber Q&A – 2014 and beyond

Following the announcement that Mark Webber has signed with Porsche to join their WEC and Le Mans 24 Hr team campaign in 2014 and beyond, www.markwebber.com asked him the burning questions:

Why have you made the decision to join Porsche in the WEC at the end of the season?
MW: The timing is perfect to join a fresh programme. It’s a sensational challenge and opportunity for my future to work with one of the most famous marques in motorsport.

How do you feel about returning to Le Mans after what happened in 1999?
MW: I accept that motor racing is dangerous but Le Mans is one of the most famous circuits in the world and to be honest, I still see it as unfinished business and I want to do well there. Le Mans can be cruel as we’ve just seen, but it’s incredibly rewarding and that’s part of the allure.

Did the events of the Malaysian GP (or other well documented inter-team incidents) influence your decision/make your mind up?
MW: No, I’ve had a personal plan and I’ve stuck to it. This is the next chapter.

Were you pressured or encouraged to leave RBR by the team or was it purely your decision?
MW: I never asked the team for more work but I’ve remained in touch with Dietrich Mateschitz over the last six to eight months and he’s been absolute quality for me. Going forward I will remain tightly inside the Red Bull family, working with the brand, and watching and supporting fellow Red Bull athletes push the boundaries.

You are one of the oldest drivers on the grid, has your age affected your driving and was this a consideration in your decision to leave?
MW: Of course you want to do your whole F1 career at the age of 25. Ask any sportsman or woman in their mid to late thirties and they will tell you that things don’t become any easier. That’s just a fact of professional sport.

Did you have options to stay in F1?
MW: Yes but since Formula One as a category wasn’t on my radar for 2014, they weren’t a consideration for me.

Will you rule out a return to F1 should another opportunity present itself in the future?
MW: I’d say it’s extremely unlikely, particularly given the new direction the category is going in. You would be out of touch very quickly.

Finally, what will miss about Formula One?
MW: I realise F1 is seen as the absolute pinnacle of motorsport and I’ve worked with some incredible people, in particular Adrian Newey. I’ve driven in some of the toughest and most challenging conditions and circuits, and against some incredible drivers which I’ll continue to do until the end of the year. Will I miss some of this? Yes, of course, but time doesn’t stand still for anyone and it’s time to move on to my next challenge.

Rob Beaumont

Pleased you have joined the factory Porsche Team a race team with real racing and real tyres .
you have given me much enjoyment following an Aussie in F1 .I hope we Aussies can still follow your Le Mans career and hope it will be telecast all the best ,Rob

Robert Jennings

John Sciarra

Well done on the fantastic work you have done to help develop Red Bull Racing and on your achievements in F1. Its a shame that Helmut has such a big say in what happens in the team, you never stood a chance with him calling the shots and clearly favouring Seb. In any other team you would have had the full support of your team mate in 2010 to win the championship, its just incredible luck that Helmut conspired attempts to scuttle your championship paid off and history will not condemn what he did to you. Anyway, you will be missed, lets hope another Aussie can take your place, best wishes at Porsche.

Brett

Burgs05

Love how you sound so committed to you decision. It shows you believe 100% I your direction. Wish I could make a big decision with your confidence.
Good luck mate, will miss not having the same coverage of your new category in oz.

MiCk

David Farmer

Mark, as a young boy i watched your first race in Australia for minardi, watching that not only instantly made me a fan of yourself, but also Formula 1 and motorsport in its entirety! I would like to thank you for that and i wish you all the best in the future! You make all of Australia proud, give them hell for the rest of the season mate

Nadia

Simon "The Car Man" Haddon

Hi Mark, sorry to see you go but thanks for all the fantastic memories mate for me and my family on and off the track. Pleasure to say I “raced” against you! Maybe see you in France next year, Regards, Simon, Sally, Stirling & Wednesday

wendzinski

Paul

Good luck Mark. Really enjoyed watching your efforts. One less reason to follow F1 and 1 more to follow WEC. Watched a lot of Le Mans on Foxtel and am hoping they show more WEC. Hope you finish the year on a high.

Clem

Bloody sad to read you are leaving Mark F1 are losing a true sportsman.
Far too few left in the sport nowadays
Had the pleasure to see you win at Monaco and the no so nice KL bullsxxx
Would have loved to see you in the Ferrari next year but all the very best at Porsche next year
Will make the trip to brazil to see your farewell
All the best mate and make it 3 in silver stone

Robert Bazina

Mark, it was a pleasure watching you race, you are the one who has given me the passion for F1, this great sport of Kings where less than a second makes the difference between winning and losing. One of the most intense and pressure sports of all time. I was there in Hungary in 2010 when you won that race & I could see that smile on your face when you over took seb. I was waiting for you to get your autograph, but you drove past in your get away car to my disappointment. You should have been crowned F1 champion that year, if it wasn’t for team orders & between you and me SEB is a little spoilt, no ethics [Site Manager Edit]. Thanks for all the great memories and late Sunday nights watching you drive, including qualifying on Saturdays. It’s been my life religiously for the past 5 years & for that I thank you as it has changed my life & enriched it, which was what i needed. You and F1 were the reason for my happiness and me meeting my wife to be at the 2010 Hungarian gran prix, where I have brought her back to Australia. Our song when we watch you is WEBBER, WEBBER, WEBBER oi oi oi. All the best for the remainder of the year & you will win silverstone and start your charge for this year.

Agnieszka

Mark, it’s sad new for Formula 1 fans, but we all understand your need for a change. You are a fantastic person first and foremost and whatever you take up in the future, you will do amazingly well. Still, quite a few Grand Prix this season and thus opportunities to prove how gifted a driver you are. All the best

MelanieK

Ann Roberts

Absolutely devastated my favourite driver is leaving F1 but wish you the very best with Porsche. You’ve not always had the rub of the green but you never let that deter you and have come back stronger. Although I’m a Red Bull fan it is always MW first, RB second. Enjoy the rest of the season.

Greg

As someone who followed your career from the Arrows days this is very sad news. You are a great loss to F1 Mark and a credit to your fellow aussie sportsmen/women in the way you have conducted yourself in some trying times. Will never forget your first podium and then race win and those that followed. But my highlight was cheering you from the Melbourne straight when you pulled off 5th in your Minardi debut. What a day – we went ballistic. Good luck in your next stage of life behind the wheel and of course for the rest of this season. Stick it up ‘em at Silverstone!

Angus Dobbie

It has been a pleasure watching your career Mark – I am an Aussie living in the US and I always feel extremely proud having you represent our country as a great sportsman and a true gentleman. “the best thing is he seems like such a good bloke” I like to say over here but of course they haven’t got a clue!

NATALIA RINCON

not possible! please don’t go. F1 will not be the same without you, now could you prove yourself on another team, take the opportunity to give other teams! but if it’s really what you want can not resist.
wherever you go I will follow
I wish you well and thank you for your sympathy and giving me these wonderful years full of excitement
thanks for all, for the fotograph, for the autograph, and return your greeting in the presentation in Montmelo, you’re the best person and I really admire you,
I will save money to go to Le Mans!
Always yours shirt girl “webber forever”
kisses from Barcelona

graham

I am an F1 fan from Liverpool and have never been lucky enough to see an F1 race live but have been glued to my tv for last 5 years watching it and you will be a massive loss to the sport. you are an extremely brave and unlucky driver and one of the nice guys.

Mike, Boston, Massachusetts

elena amorelli

In a sport such as F1 character is a HUGE factor. You are the gentleman of F1. Always. Takes a real man to do that in F1 Not easy in such a sport. No one like you. Will watch you in La Mans, all the best, but you leaving F1 means it has been left to the animals, there is no longer an example to follow. But, that said,kick the crap out of seb at Silverstone. All the best of the best wishes. You are a true example of an athlete.

Jill and Brian

Thank you Mark for all the years of pleasure you have given us in F1, it is certainly their loss and F1 has just lost a lot of fans – us included – all the very best in your new venture, we’ll be supporting you all the way. Good luck this weekend and the rest of the season and remember if it comes to it and you cannot win the title, I’m sure you wiil give Fernando a helping hand or ABV – anybody but Vettel. Good luck Mark.

Pippa

So sorry that you are leaving F1, although it has been expected, especially after the Malaysian GP. RBR has never supported you as you deserved. You are an amazing driver, and a true gentleman and top Aussie. Will miss you at F1, but will follow you in your new career. Wouldn’t it be ironic if you won the F1 championship after all this year. Not an impossibility. How I would laugh!!!!!

Tony P

Mark, you are a true champion. I’ve been a member of your Supporters Club since 1998, followed you before F1. Something I saw made me just have to support you. You’ve been dealt a rough hand a few times but always come back smiling & tougher than ever. Great F1 carreer but not quite what you deserve. My passion for F1 will not change however, that little bit extra that was always following & supporting you is now missing.
Now that this decision is off your mind, smash 2013 with a few wins.
Thank you so much for letting us watch such a great sportsman in action in a sport we love.
All the best with Porsche & I can see many wins with them.
Cheers

wassa

Really going to miss you mark, F1 for a while just wont be the same. Might have to change over and barrack for Alonso after you leave. Thanks for all those great races and hopefully the best is still coming your way this year. chears

Potsey

Mate, it has been a thrill to watch you compete within F1, you have done a great job and you will be missed. All the best for the rest of season and your future plans (us aussies will just have to take a greater interest of Porsche and Le Mans. Want to see you on the top step spraying champagne again before you leave F1

Toby Withers

We will miss you in F1 Mark, F1 needs more drivers who are honesty, have integrity and are true to themselves. You are a true gentleman Mark and we are proud to call you an Aussie. I iwll now have to follow Le Mans Good luck and you retired like you raced, with humility and good grace. Cheers Toby

Jenny Maly

Craig

Sad to see you leave F1, a respectful and true gentleman of the sport. All the best for the remainder of the season (nothing to loose now – go for the championship hardcore!) and look forward to watching you in the WEC series, especially Le Mans!

Karl Mathews

Congrats on your F1 career Mark. It was though for you at the start but you stuck to your guns and it payed off! Wish you all the best with Porsche and would love to see you come home and race in the V8′s some day!

Grant B

Quote “Going forward I will remain tightly inside the Red Bull family, working with the brand, and watching and supporting fellow Red Bull athletes push the boundaries.” Righto then, Mark Weeber and Craig Lowndes in the Red Bull 888 Commodore at Bathurst in 2014! Come on Mark, do it!!!!! You know you want to!!

Damo the Firey

Mark, congratulations on an amazing F1 career. I had the pleasure of meeting you at the 2002 Australian F1 GP and chatting with you and Allan Moffat while working at pit exit. You gave me a thumbs up each time you came out of the pits during practice and qualifying. You have always remained humble and a gentleman and have managed to achieve so much on and off the track since. So what if you did not manage a championship, you are a legend. All the best for your new gig with Porsche in the WEC.

Mark Wright

It will be sad to see you go from F1 Mark. I know with all the emotion of F1, a lot of people think the rest are a pack of ******, though you and I know that is not true. Will still be behind Daniel and looking forward to having Mitch on the grid one day soon. Both those guys look up to you and deservedly so. Will watch WEC with more interest now.

Chad

I know this season is not over-but thank you for everything you’ve represented for, and done for this country. You are truly an inspiration to all people! Lets hope we get to see the LMP1 broadcast here in Aus!! Thanks again mate!

Todd

Very sad news indeed. I have been going to Grands Prix for 12 years now and have always supported Mark. This year may be my last.

The sport will be losing a true gentleman and a great sportsman. Despite missing out on a World Championship I think Mark has been the victim of circumstance and not just a little in-team favouritism. He is easily the equal of any of the drivers out there on an average day and the best of them on a good day.

If you are reading, Mark. we will miss you Mark, me more than any.

simon whittaker

g’day mark! hope you go well for the rest of the F1 season…look forward to seeing you at le mans….thanks for all the great racing and sportsmanship you’ve showed…it’s a sunny 11 degrees here in QBN! cheers simmo

rob

Thanks for the memories Mark glad I saw you race in Melbourne this year i love all the drama that comes with f1 and we were never short of that with you and vettel and rbr i think you guys really spiced up the sport and ultimately pushed each other to be the best drivers good decision at the right time best of luck for the rest of the season and for your future going to miss you mate

Don

Good luck with your future in driving, what I believe are fabulous cars. Now I just have to figure out how to get to Le Mans as the tv in Australia is not real good on the GT Prototype car racing although Speed.com are getting there. I am sure you will do well with Porsche as you take with you an absolute wealth of knowledge when it comes to driving very quick cars. Stay safe Mark, those Porsch Le Mans cars are dam quick.

Paul Galea

Jay C

Now that you are leaving the team, when you are next in Canberra you can dump all your Red Bull gear at my place
I’m sure going to miss watching you in F1, Mark. You are always genuine and that is a rear thing, especially in a world class athlete.

Adz

Doug

Ryan

This is really tough for the fans but reading “Webberisms” such as “Time doesn’t stand still for anyone and it’s time to move on.” Kind of makes me feel better. Mark, you’ve always been an inspiration to me, and I will continue to be a loyal fan. It’s a privilege to see you race in F1 and it will be a pleasure to watch you in WEC.

peter lavell

For many years now, my wife and I have followed you in F1. We live on the Sunshine Coast, QLD and we have travelled to Melbourne to support you 5 times at Albert Park. You have kept us up late at night, you have taught us to be diplomatic, we have shared your highs and lows.We’ve been mostly proud and have felt the extremes of emotion watching you race destroying your opponents in Monaco and Germany to having to put up with team mates game play. I have collected 25 Diecast Models of your F1 career and proudly display them in my home along with other memorabilia. Yes, its sad to say goodbye but we thank god you’ve been there proudly representing Australia throughout your career. Congratulations on your F1 career and your new appointment with Porsche. Thanks for the memories Mark.
Finally, my wife and I were at St Kilda Beach in 2012 when you were teaching Vettel how to play cricket. I was privileged to take some fantastic photos of this and alongside my other F1 photos, I would have to say that you have given more than your pound of flesh to the public and media.
Good luck Aussie Grit.
Peter and Leilani Lavell

Patty

Sorry to hear that you are leaving F1 but not Red Bull. They showed too much favoritism. You deserve better. Good luck next year with the Porsche team. They are getting a great driver and a nice guy. Thank you for all the great races you gave us. Hope you win Silverstone. C u in Austin, TX.

John

One of the last of the drivers that is a driver, not a limit talent billboard who is always on message. F1 will miss him. Sign up to Sky F1 as a pundit Mark and spend the weekends telling us truly what you think

Paul

F1 is losing a serious talent. The respect you get from the other drivers says it all to me. Seb is just another boring greedy Schumacher. You will always be the inspirational dude in my life! Enjoy the rest of your career Mark.

Hilary

Sad sad news an incredible sportsman and a true gentleman with integrity and honor. RBR will feel the loss even if they won’t admit it. As far as i am concerned you were the No 1 driver & Vettel could have learnt a lot from you…. So I will still be screaming at my tv when you race, just in another kind of race. Good luck.

laverne riches

Charlie

I became interested in F1 through my other half a good few years ago and the first time I sat down to watch a race properly, I remember watching the grid walk and you being interviewed. From that moment, my support only sat with one driver. In a time when the sport has become political and drivers are pushing the boundaries further than maybe they should, I’ve never seen you refuse an interview, never heard you whine but have always taken responsibility for your mistakes as well as having the tenacity to speak your mind when warranted. It won’t be the same without you- true sportsman and gentleman and amazing driver! Thanks for the dance!

Tony

Been there from the start, shared the highs and lows watching from Australia. Thanks for the memories. Hope you win a couple more GP’s. Looking on the bright side at least you’ll get a better company car!

sam mccaughey

Have followed Mark Webber, since his televised drive in a formula ford at Bathurst in the rain many years ago, about three years before Paul Stoddart F1 drive, a special person, I know we all move on but will be missed

David

Gav Daniel

Mark, from Formula Ford & Formula Holden to Formula 1 us Australian fans have always cheered you on. Hopefully a Le Mans race can be held in Australia one day. Congratulations on a fine F1 career, I look forward to your Porsche efforts.

Denis Pregun

Mark been following you since your formula ford days in Australia in the yellow pages sponsorship. You have always been a honest and nobel statesman of the sport with so much respect given to you. are you going to keep the MW Arden thing going for the young boys. Looking forward to watching you on ESPN in the WEC next year. Good luck with this weekend and hope you win for a third time at Silverstone.

stephen harvey

Aaron

Mark, you are a terrific ambassador for Australia and your sport and so proud of everything you have achieved over your career. It’s always nice to see people leave at the top of their game with the respect and admiration , you left nothing in the tank and it’s a credit to you and your family for all the years of hard work. Good luck for the rest of this year and to better things at Porsche, I for one think F1 is a lot worse not having you on the grid in 2014. Cheers , Aaron

Brigitte

Barry and Bella Nilan

Sad to hear your leaving f1 you have give isa and myself so much pleasure and wonderful memories during your time in f1 as has been mentioned you are a true sportsman and gentleman your integrity enspiring life goes on good luck in sport cars and life in genral hope we get to see your sport car races telecast in aussie from barry and bella perth wa

jay

Dear Mark,
I doubt you will ever read this, but that is not going to stop me declaring you (and not just in my eyes) one of the true Great Champions of Motorsport.
It is just not good enough to take a podium place, you must be a leader off the grid, a gentleman,a positive role model, in every sense of the phrase, and in all those areas, and your great achievements in F1, against extraordinary odds, when you had to battle more than the other drivers in a race, but also outrageous prejudice against you within your own team, still you gave your all, you entertained millions the world over, and this sport shall be all the more poorer for your loss. However, we all look forward to seeing you in the delectable Porsche!!!

Susan

Have followed you since LeMans 99 and all through your F1 and will follow you into your new challenge. Go for the top spot in your final yr at F1. You have done Australia proud with your integrity and your love for the sport. I am proud to be an Australian. Good luck with your future endeavours Mark xx

Maria

Sad to see you leave F1. You are my favourite driver to watch. Your integrity and sportsmanship shows what a brilliant person you are. I hope we can see you race for Porche. Not only on Foxtel. Good luck for the rest of the year. Go get them.It would be great for you to go out on top.Can’t wait for Silverstone.

avril drummond

All the best for the future Mark, will miss seeing you covered in champers on the podium though. might have to upgrade my tv package now to find you. F1 will suffer the loss of your honesty integrety and skill, no-one quite like you there.

troy

Mark I have enjoyed watching your career from early on back in your formula Ford days, I cried with joy at the Australian gp first time out for minardi. I really do hope that doing Bathurst is on your life plan…. Good luck and don’t forget Australian motorsport needs people like you back here too…

TRICKO

TOTALLY GUTTED!!!!!!!! only got into F1 cause of you and just a little hooked.we know u will do your best at whatever comes along best of luck.SUCH A NICE CHAP.lets kick ass for rest of season whats the worse can happen, the sack!!

wendie street

Daz

#AussieGrit…
True to everything you have ever done. The grid will not be the same without you – testament to the fact of the well wishes from your peers.
Team before self. You will never be forgotten – but will be sorely missed.
May the experiences coming be as fulfilling to you as this has been to us. May your commitment to excellence and being the best be of benefit to those following in your footsteps in the F1 world.
Cheers.

marco brouwer

I’ll miss you in F1 next year, as one of the few who speak their mind. On the other hand nobody is getting younger and you have to move on. Porsche will be a nice challenge and i’m looking forward to seeing you driving there. Thanks for always being an honest bloke.

Keith

As a Pom I will be sorry to see you leave F1. Do us all a favour and run Vettel off the track in the remaining races. Good luck in your future career even if it now meens I will have to get Sky to follow you

Mags Condon

formulafrontrow.com

Good luck Mark. Congrats on a fantastic F1 career. Have been cheering from the Brabham Stand since that stunning Minardi debut for 12 years now, and will still be cheering tonight for British GP quali and the rest of the season. Go get ‘em. Well done. What chance Porsche doing Bathurst 12 Hr?

Debs

Mark I thought you would leave and go to another team but didnt think you would leave F1 altogether. I think it is a great opportunity for you and you played a top trump card when you informed Redbull you were leaving. I hope that vettle skids off the track the guy is a jumped up little tw#t. Good luck Mark we will miss you.

psycho budgie

Carol

Congratulations Mark, you deserve to be driving for such a great team. Meanwhile, for the rest of the year, how about giving Seb some of his own medicine and ignoring team orders whenever it will improve your chances? Let him be the one to worry about whether two cars finish the race or not for a change, instead of you being the one who is always doing the right thing for the team. As for the team, if Seb’s car happens not to finish the race occasionally as a result of you actually racing competitively, well then it serves them right for the way they have treated you! Best of luck for the rest of the season, and wishing you outstanding success and the support you deserve from your new team at Porsche.

Col

Been a fan since seeing you years ago in f ford here in Australia. Good luck for the rest of your time in F1 and at Porsche – bring home that win you deserved at LeMans. But don’t forget us at home, we still want to see you.

Multi 21

Mark you were the best out there. You have left an unfillable hole in the very fabric of Grand Prix racing. Those 9 wins will remain unmatched for years to come. Your WDC run has been mega over the past five years, especially given your equipment. The way you dragged that dog of a Red Bull up the grid since 2009 is nothing short of extraordinary! Well done. You never really had a good car, but you kept them honest through Aussie Grit. You will never be forgotten. Lest we forget…

Al Murphy

Giovanni

I’ll be very sad to see u leave F1. You’ve given fans some great moments to remember. Incredible racing, always tough and fair. Sure hope you give Vettel a tough 2013. So wanted to see you win a WDC, but you never had the equipment or the proper support.

Janice Twidale

I’ve been following your career since the day I saw you on the drivers parade at Monza in 2003. I’ll continue to follow you in your new venture and I wish you every success in your pursuit of victory in the Porsches. Who knows I might even be able to afford to come and see you race live next year.

stephen de vries

Jane

Glad I had the opportunity to see you race in Spa 2012. You are an Aussie inspiration. Would have loved to see your final race again in Spa 2013 but price is my downfall. Best of luck in the future legend!!! Hope to see more of you.

One More Win Please

I always though you’re carrier might end up in the position it found itself. I don’t believe the world saw your true potential, but those in the know did. It was so hard watching the first 5 years of your F1 carrier knowing you had already came in at 25, then that terrible accident another great shame. 2009 would have been your year, no doubt. 2010 was difficult. I remember watching you drop the car in front of Alonso and I said to myself that’s the first time I have ever seem him drop the car, the first time it was a proper drivers mistake, you’re one of the best in the wet. At that stage I didn’t know you had an injured shoulder. If that race was dry… Just so many lost opportunities seldom luck going your way. When Vettel ran into the back of you at Fuji I just about had a panic attack, I said to my self how the **** can one man be so unlucky, I was in shock! As time has moved on I struggle with some of the ongoing issues your side of the garage has experienced, and as a contrarian I don’t really believe in coincidences. None the less you made it all the way to the tip of the spear in F1 and you held your own. DM saw in you what so many others did and you worked hard and locked that seat out and forced other to pay attention. These days F1 is not what it was, you were the last of the real on your own merit drivers an end to an era.

I think the FIA WEC is about to be introduced to the fastest driver that sport has ever seen.

Paul Wijman

Thank you Mark for youre statement about finance being more important than talent in f1 these days let, s say the Robin Frijns situation. I wish you al the best and I am sure you wil put porche on the podium at Le Mans.

cynthia

James Burke

Mark I don’t know whether you read any of this but I can feel your pain that you have had to endure whilst giving your all to Red Bull. I hope to be in Germany next year and it would be great to see you race and maybe say g’day mate, keep living the dream mate aka Peter Brock. All the best to you James Burke.

Andrew Harris (rubburduk)

Jarrod

Mark, Well done to a brilliant career in F1, as a fellow Aussie I am incredibly proud of what you have achieved in the sport and the way you have always been very modest with your success. You have always conducted yourself in such a professional manner, and not only shows your in your driving but also your demeanor as a great bloke! Look forward to the day when I can approach u at a bar and say g’day over a beer Cheers mate, to a sensational era!

Pat Atkinson

Ben Nicholls

Every time I have had a nap on Sundays in prep for a late night watching the F1 my wife would give me heaps! She too has lived through all your low and high moments with me. It really won’t be the same without you. Your a champion bloke and deserve all the success in your next chapter. It’s on my bucket list to meet you one day, hopefully as a Le Mans champ in the next few years. All the best Mark and a big congrats for all your amazing achievement and entertainment in the sport! Cheers, Ben

Becky G

Graham

Oscar

Mark congrats on a fine career with F1 & the Red Bull team. You are a fantastic driver and a loss to F1. I hope Daniel Ricardo has learnt a lot from you and fly the Australian flag proudly as you have. Good luck on the next leg of your journey with Porsche WEC and Le Mans 24 and its challengers, I know you do us all proud…